Young people fight tobacco addiction

Hawaii is poised to be the first state in the nation to have a law prohibiting sale of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices to those under 21.

The unprecedented work of local youth pressing for this monumental legislation speaks well for a generation wanting to protect its own.

We should applaud high school advocates Sabrina Olaes and Sarina Reily from Kapolei High School and University of Hawaii-Manoa’s Student Health Advisory Club members who led the campaign to empower young people’s voices to protect and preserve their peers and future generations.

This campaign is an exceptional model of effective intergenerational teamwork illustrating the power of hard work and persistence to protect youth from a life-long, deadly addiction.

"If we did not take a stand and work this hard to raise the age of sale for tobacco products to 21, I would likely see many of my peers becoming ill, falling behind in school and even possibly an early death, " said Olaes, Kapolei High School senior.

The state Legislature passed the bill that will make Hawaii the first state to reach this milestone. It awaits Gov. David Ige’s signature to become law. Other states have proposed similar measures, but have not yet adopted them.

Youth advocates attended public legislative hearings to ensure their voices were heard and to dispel the notion that youth and young adults would not support such a measure. Young champions were just as supportive and determined to pass this bill as the public health groups.

The beauty of youth involvement is: 1) Elected officials hear from the mostly unheard voices of young people; 2) Youth and young adults learn firsthand about our democratic process.

Even more impressive, youths were never directed what to say. They researched facts, formulated arguments and wrote their own testimony.

Many students testified about their experiences and how they had been affected by tobacco or electronic smoking devices.

One testimony that stood out: A student described how the bathroom at her school smelled like a cotton candy factory from students using e-cigarettes. She said it was hard not to try the e-cig that was leaving the sweet lingering smell. But, she questioned, was that sweet smell harmful to other students and herself?

These devices (e-cigarettes) have become a trend in Hawaii and across the nation, but no one knows the long-term health effects.

Emerging research shows the devices contain a multitude of chemicals, including carcinogens.

As they have for years, high school students statewide planned "Kick Butts Day" at the Legislature. This annual advocacy day is focused on youth across the nation standing up against Big Tobacco.

Hawaii focused on raising the age of sale to 21. Social media included tags #RaisetheAgeHI and #NotAReplacement selfie.

Our youth posted pictures via social media telling Big Tobacco they will not be a replacement smoker for the smokers who have died or quit.

Hawaii kids’ work and dedication paid off. Youth advocates were ecstatic the day Senate Bill 1030 passed. This is an experience they will never forget, not only because they helped pass life-saving legislation, but because Hawaii is the first state to do so. This will help tip the scales and start a movement across the country.

The last hurdle: We need Gov. Ige to sign SB 1030 and recognize the youth leaders for their hard work, tenacity and bravery.

After working with these students, I am confident the future of Hawaii’s youth will be a healthier one.